October 2
Peace
in a Troubled World
"I leave my peace with you. I give my peace to you. I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be troubled. And do not be afraid."
John 14:27 (NIrV)
Zane scrolled through the news on his phone, his stomach tightening with every headline. Another war had broken out. A new pandemic was spreading. World leaders were making threats. Some people said AI was going to take over the world, steal jobs, and maybe even control people. Others warned that governments were watching everyone, controlling everything. Some days, it felt like the world was on the edge of collapse.
He tossed his phone onto his bed and ran a hand through his hair. What kind of future do I even have? He thought about his friends, about all the young people trying to figure out their lives, and he felt paralyzed. What’s the point of planning for the future when everything feels so out of control?
His mom walked past his room and saw the look on his face. “Zane, are you okay?”
He sighed. “No. Not really. I feel like everything is falling apart, and no one knows what to do. I just... I don’t see a future for me or anyone.”
His mom sat down beside him. “I know the world feels scary. And the truth is, people have always had reasons to be afraid. But Jesus told us something really important—He left us His peace. Not the kind the world gives, but real peace. Peace that stays with us, even when everything around us feels out of control.”
Zane stared at her, unsure. “How am I supposed to feel peace when everything’s falling apart?”
His mom took his hand. “By remembering that no matter what happens in the world, God is still in control. Leaders rise and fall, technology changes, and bad things happen—but God never changes. His plan for you is still good. His love for you is still strong. And He promises that even in the middle of chaos, His peace is real.”
That night, Zane lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. He didn’t have all the answers, but for the first time in weeks, he felt something shift inside him. Maybe he didn’t have to understand everything. Maybe he just needed to trust that God did.
He whispered a prayer. “Jesus, I don’t know what’s going to happen in the world, but I know You are bigger than all of it. Please give me Your peace. Help me not to live in fear.”
As he closed his eyes, the world outside was still the same. But something inside him was different. He wasn’t alone. And that gave him hope.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the peace You give—a peace that is bigger than the fear and chaos in the world.
I confess that sometimes I let worry take over, and I forget that You are in control.
Please remind me that no matter how uncertain things seem, You are my foundation.
Help me to trust in Your plan and rest in Your peace, knowing that my future is in Your hands.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
